Trump-backed spending bill fails to pass, leaving U.S. government shutdown a looming possibility

The U.S. Capitol is seen in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 19, 2024.

A spending bill backed by Donald Trump failed in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday as dozens of Republicans defied the U.S. president-elect, leaving Congress with no clear plan to avert a fast-approaching government shutdown that could disrupt Christmas travel.